Jordan Shipley ready to jump in against Patriots

Receiver Jordan Shipley has been through three practices since joining the Bucs on Monday, but that won’t stop him from seeing his first game action Friday against the Patriots.

Shipley will be thrown into the mix late in the game as coaches “kind of spoon feed” him, coach Greg Schiano said.

For his part, Shipley – claimed off waivers from the Bengals – thinks he’s got enough of a comfort level to function and, perhaps, contribute.

The Bucs’ offense “is similar to the offense we had my rookie year (in Cincinnati),” he said. “So, I’m picking it up. Most of the stuff we’ve installed, I think I’ve got it.”

Look for Shipley to field some punts, with Schiano saying he’s been a “natural under the ball in punt returns.” That’s where he might be able to help the Bucs, who wouldn’t mind pushing Preston Parker with his tendency to mishandle kicks.

Shipley would relish the chance to attempt some returns.

“I did it all through high school, all through college,” he said. “I got to do some in my rookie year in the preseason and I had a couple of good returns. So I’ve been doing it a long time. I really love it.”

As for the knee injury that Shipley is recovering from -- something that likely contributed to his being waived by the Bengals -- Schiano said he hasn't observed any issues in practice. We'll see whether the game is a better indicator of Shipley's health.

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